The overall objective of this Call for Proposals, totalling €4.7 million, was to support start-ups and strengthen the competitiveness of existing enterprises, and to diversify the local economy as a means to improve the job market and preserve natural resources. The specific objectives were to modernise products and services through fostering business excellence and Total Quality Management (TQM) along with the introduction of quality management standards, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), environmental protection and Information Technology.

Following the launch of the scheme in January 2012, 282 applications were received. A total of 40 projects were awarded a grant and are now ongoing. To date, 10 grant projects have been completed.

SME IN ACTION I AND II Grant Schemes (2009-2010)

The SME Calls in Action I and II aimed at improving the creating safe and healthy working conditions for employees, and increase productivity and investment in the private sector. They also encouraged the uptake of ICT in SMEs, and, at the same time, supported the development of a competitive local ICT sector.

Following the launch of the two schemes in 2009 and 2010, a total of 31 awarded projects, amounting to €3 million, were finalised by 2012.

EU funded enterprise support through UNDP

In addition to the three SME Calls for Proposals directly administered by the European Commission, a further €3 million was allocated to SME support and implemented by UNDP during the period 2007-2011.

The overall objective of this SME programme was to increase enterprise competitiveness through establishing links between the Turkish Cypriot private sector and the EU market.

62 SMEs benefitted from the programme, supporting compliance with quality, environmental and social standards that meet European standards and recognised certification processes.

Service and product enterprises shall ensure that, in the preparation and implementation of all its investments, the rights of natural and legal persons, including the rights to possessions and property shall be respected. No project undertaken by an enterprise should be intended to imply recognition of any public authority other than the Government of the Republic of Cyprus. This website has been produced with the assistance of the European Union. The contents of the website are the sole responsibility of the WYG International Danışmanlık Ltd. led consortium and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union.